Plastic Free Montgomery
The “Plastic Free Montgomery” campaign is supported by Montgomery Energy Group (MEG) and Montgomery Town Council. The campaign is based on a tried and tested formula developed by the Surfers against Sewage (SAS) group and already being adopted by other local towns such as Llanidloes.
Montgomery is officially recognised on the SAS website as being ‘in progress’ towards attaining plastic-free status, following hard work by plastic-free activist Jenni Visser in completing the first application stage.
Jeremy Thorp of MEG was pleased to champion the project, saying: "This is a wonderful initiative that Jenni has set up and I'm sure that everyone in Montgomery will want to support it. It is just the sort of action that Montgomery Energy Group is keen to see, and we will be giving every assistance that we can to Plastic Free Montgomery".
The Plastic Free Montgomery opening presentation, hosted by MEG in September 2018, saw a great turnout from the town and surrounding area. The discussion shared ideas for simple personal changes to plastic consumption and laid out the requirements of the new project which aims for Montgomery to become a certified ‘Plastic Free Community’.
Presenter Jenni Visser said, “It was great to have so many interested people there, contributing, sharing ideas and joining in the discussion. Thanks to everyone for their input and support.” Jenny Brignell of MEG added, “We look forward to seeing people supporting this community campaign and helping reduce plastic waste.”
Five key objectives to achieve a plastic free community have been set by Surfers Against Sewage, an established charity campaigning for cleaner waters and prevention of plastic pollution. Once each of the objectives are met, Montgomery can apply for Plastic Free Community status. The project focuses on the reduction of single-use plastic in consumer streams, but has scope to look later at reducing other plastic waste.
The project was received with enthusiasm by Montgomery Town Council in autumn 2018 and Cllrs Mike Mills and Wendy Beavan were nominated to represent the Council on the Plastic Free Montgomery steering group. The group will work towards a number of targets, aimed at households and businesses, and the council itself will look at all the resources it uses to see where it can reduce waste and especially the use of single-use plastic.
Anyone wishing to be involved, either as a volunteer or as a committee member, is welcome to get in touch to discuss this further and to help steer the project’s future! Further events will be organised, and people are encouraged to follow the Facebook page fb.me/PlasticFreeMontgomery for up-to-date information.
How to contact us...
PlasticFreeMontgomery@gmail.com
